University Advancement

Public Relations and Strategic Communications

NEWS RELEASE

Bernard Bragg’s ‘Theatre in the Sky’ Lands at Cal State Northridge

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., March 7, 2006) — Cal State Northridge will host one of only ten performances nationwide of acclaimed actor Bernard Bragg’s one man show "Theatre in the Sky" on Friday, March 16.

The performance is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Campus Theatre located at Nordhoff Hall at the southwest corner of the campus near Nordhoff Street and Darby Avenue.

"The show is a humorous, sometimes ridiculous but always heart-warming reflection on my experiences around the world," said Bragg, a longtime instructor at Cal State Northridge. "I hope to encourage audience members to join together in support of our organizations, especially for deaf people in developing populations."

Roslyn Rosen, director of the National Center on Deafness (NCOD), said she was looking forward to the performance.

"Watching Bernard Bragg perform in American Sign Language is like eye candy—he is a master in drawing concepts in the air, making these pictures come to life and invoking emotions across all points of the spectrum. Definitely not something to miss, especially for the members of our campus community interested in the arts and cross-cultural topics," said Rosen, who is co-chairing the CSUN performance with Genie Gertz, director of the Deaf Studies Department.

All funds from the tour will be donated to the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD). "The proceeds will help enable NAD and WFD to bring about changes in education, employment, health care and social attitudes toward deaf people," said Bragg.

Heralded as an accomplished actor, director and playwright, Bragg’s career spans 50 years, reaching nearly every corner of the globe. Highlights of his lifework include study with Marcel Marceau, an honorary doctorate in Human Letters from Gallaudet University and numerous theatre and television appearances. Bragg is also the founder for the National Theatre of the Deaf and has recently been honored as the "Father of Deaf Theatre" by the International Center on Deafness and the Arts.

At Cal State Northridge Bragg has taught American Sign Language/deaf theatre courses and has directed plays at the university, including "To Whom It May Concern," "Laugh Properly, Please" and "Truly Deaf."

Tickets are $25 for adults and $13 for full-time students and children. Cash, check and money order purchases can be made at the NCOD front lobby during regular business hours. Tickets can also be purchased by mail.

For more information, contact ncod@csun.edu, visit the Web site at http://ncod.csun.edu or call (818) 677-2054.

The National Center on Deafness has placed California State University, Northridge at the forefront internationally in the provision of services to people who are deaf and have other disabilities. Specifically, NCOD has been honored for service to the campus and community, as well as for its specialized projects and materials used across the nation.

The National Center on Deafness’ nationally recognized support system of note takers, tutors and interpreters allows CSUN’s approximately 250 deaf and hard-of-hearing students to take a full part in university life. CSUN’s population of deaf and hard-of-hearing students is one of the largest at any mainstream university in the United States. The university was among the first to offer services to mainstream these students, beginning 40 years ago.